..............Were in a compromised situation, but Im going on offense, Graham explains, in an interview at Petes Diner on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress and their staffs should not be exempted from Obamacare, and Im going to insist that if the Senate wants to move forward on any deal, we have to overturn the [Office of Personnel Management’s] ruling on congressional employees, or, at the least, force senators to vote on it in the coming days.

Now, I hope the House rises to the occasion here, Graham continues. But were down to stopping bad things, and the only bad thing at this point that we can really push on is the OPM rule. At this point, Im not sure if were going to get it, so Im going to object on any deal until I get that up-or-down vote. Thats only fair, and I believe the American people will be with me.

Grahams pledge to object to any deal that doesnt include a vote on the Vitter amendment could shake up the ongoing Senate negotiations. Senate Democrats arent interested in having that vote, and theyve asked Graham to not make this eleventh-hour demand. But the Democrats have moved the goal posts on a reasonable deal, he says. I know we cant complain too much about our self-inflicted wounds, but the Democrats have gone too far.